Braves 11, Clippers 7: Brantley making case to join Tribe

Monday

By any stretch of the imagination, Michael Brantley has to be next in the master plan percolating through the brain trust of the Cleveland Indians in not-so-far-away Progressive Field.

By any stretch of the imagination, Michael Brantley has to be next in the master plan percolating through the brain trust of the Cleveland Indians in not-so-far-away Progressive Field.

The Tribe traded first baseman Russell Branyan to the Seattle Mariners late Saturday and reached down to Columbus to pluck Matt LaPorta from the triple-A Clippers. LaPorta's time at first base began yesterday in Cincinnati.

Brantley, the graceful Columbus center fielder and leadoff hitter, had a busy day in an 11-7 loss to the Gwinnett Braves. He collected three hits to lift his batting average to .314, scored two runs and stole two bases.

He also opened the game by racing to the notch in deep right-center to take an extra-base hit away from Matt Young.

The catch and the hits are becoming commonplace to Clippers manager Mike Sarbaugh, who first watched Brantley play during the youngster's September call-up last season with Cleveland.

"I had never seen him in the minors," Sarbaugh said. "He glides. And he plays under control. That will translate to the major-league level. He's still young. He's 23.

"When he came down here after starting the year in the big leagues, he handled it well. He's been very professional in how he has approached everything. He's a very heads-up player. He's got a very bright future."

The future, according to published reports coming out of Cleveland, is approaching fast. Brantley remains beautifully oblivious to such chatter.

"I have no clue what is being said up there," he said. "I'm really just trying to stay focused down here. I'm working on all aspects of my game so when that call does come, I'll be ready."

Brantley batted .313 in 28 games for Cleveland at the end of last season. He made the team in spring training but started slowly at the plate. He was hitting .158 when the Indians optioned him to Columbus on April 20.

Instead of moping, Brantley attacked the challenge with hitting coach Lee May Jr. and has worked his way to the top echelon of leadoff hitters in the International League.

"I feel stronger," Brantley said. "My swing is coming along nicely. I feel comfortable at the plate. Outfield-wise, I'm getting good reads on balls. I'm real happy where I am right now.

"Physically, I feel great. This is probably the best I've felt in a couple of years. Hopefully I can keep this where it is throughout the course of the year."

The starting pitchers for both teams had less to be happy about. Each left early. The Clippers scored three runs off Jo-Jo Reyes in both the first and second innings.

The Braves matched those six in a nightmarish second inning for Clippers starter Yohan Pino (7-4) that featured seven hits. They upped the ante with three more runs in the third on a two-out, bases-loaded double by Matt Diaz.

The Gwinnett bullpen pitched five scoreless innings to seal the win.

Jared Goedert hit his eighth home run for the Clippers.

jmassie@dispatch.com

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